"Investing in auto companies and ensuring a financial collapse didn't lead not from a recession to a great depression may not have been the most popular thing to do, but it was the right thing to do"

The quote by Robert Gibbs highlights an important decision made during an economically turbulent time, probably referring to the actions taken throughout the 2008 monetary crisis. Let's explore its parts to much better understand its significance.

First of all, the expression "Investing in car companies" likely refers to the bailout of significant vehicle manufacturers by the U.S. federal government during the financial crisis. In late 2008 and early 2009, the U.S. federal government provided financial help to General Motors and Chrysler, which were on the edge of bankruptcy. This move, although questionable and out of favor amongst numerous taxpayers and political analysts, was considered essential by policymakers to save countless tasks and prevent additional economic decrease.

The next part, "ensuring a financial collapse didn't lead from an economic crisis to a fantastic anxiety," highlights the intensity of the circumstance. The economic crisis at the time was the worst considering that the Great Depression, with potential to degrade even more. By acting decisively and injecting liquidity into the financial system and supporting vital markets like the car sector, the federal government intended to stabilize the economy, avoid additional job losses, and restore consumer self-confidence.

Gibbs acknowledges that these actions "may not have been the most popular thing to do." This reflects the general public's and some politicians' apprehension towards using taxpayer money to rescue private business, in addition to concerns about moral hazard-- where companies may take undue risks, believing they 'd be bailed out if things go wrong.

However, the last part of the quote, "but it was the right thing to do," is an assertion of ethical and tactical validation. It suggests that regardless of its unpopularity, the decision was needed to prevent more extreme financial effects. Gibbs suggests that focusing on broader economic stability over short-term public approval was important in a crisis of this magnitude.

In summary, the quote encapsulates the tension between short-term popular opinion and long-lasting economic securing, advocating for decisive action in the face of possible disaster.